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eBenefits Alert: Federal COBRA Subsidy Extended

December 22, 2009 | Alert

On December 21, 2009, President Obama signed into law a defense appropriations bill that contains provisions to extend the COBRA subsidy enacted last February in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Under the ARRA rules, the subsidy is available for involuntary terminations that occur by December 31, 2009. The extension provides that the subsidy will be available for involuntary terminations that occur through February 28, 2010.

In addition, the bill extends the 65 percent federal subsidy for an additional six months, making the maximum subsidy length a total of 15 months.

These changes will require employers to notify current COBRA continuees, as well as individuals newly eligible to elect COBRA of their right to the subsidy. The other provisions of ARRA and subsequently issued guidance will continue to apply to administration of the COBRA subsidy.

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. You are urged to consult a lawyer concerning any specific legal questions you may have.

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